About Allen D.

I'll show you anything from chords, strumming, playing songs, and how to read song charts. That way you can feel good about learning and playing songs on your own. To be more in depth, I can also show you how to properly practice chord switching, strumming to a metronome, reading and comprehending rhythm patterns, and even music theory catered to the ukulele.

About Allen

Hello! My name is Allen and I've been playing guitar for 16 years, and teaching for the past 10. I've been performing and writing since the age of 16 with bands in many styles. I'm originally from Santa Maria, CA, and I obtained my knowledge of music theory, performance, and songwriting skills from taking private lessons in the central coast at a place called Coelho's Academy of Music. Our head instructor, Jerry Coelho, was a student of the late Howard Roberts and was one of the first graduating students to who helped to establish Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT), currently known as The Musicians Institute. After dedicating 4 years of private lessons under Jerry and his other top instructors, my hard work payed off and I was given the opportunity take students of my own. For the following two years, I've managed to consistently teach

40 students per week. I decided to move forward and take my musical experience with me to San Diego, where I currently teach, write, record, and perform my music with others who have similar goals and aspirations. I love playing in as many bands as possible. The main one I play in is called Quel Bordel. Some of the bands I've played in have given me the opportunity to perform with local and big named artists such as D.J. Artistic, Gary Wilson of Stones Throw Records, The Aristocrats, Terry Bozzio, Alan Holdsworth, and Tony Levin. As a full time musician and performer, I'm typically out gigging anywhere from 2-5 a week. As a teacher, I'm here to help you with where you want to be with guitar. Whether it's rock, pop, funk, hip hop, reggae, jazz, blues, indie, folk, and country, I can help you with the technical and theoretical side of things.

*** Lesson Details ***My goal- To get you to become better than me. I find myself as an easy going teacher, and can provide that push when I see students getting more engaged in their lessons. I typically teach out of two main books, and it's optional for students to have their own copy of my recommended method books. I emphasize heavy chord vocabulary and steady rhythm. I believe that in order to be a good lead player, you would have to be a great rhythm player. As we develop technique, you can expect me to incorporate theory as to maintain an even share of the HOW's and WHY's. Moreover, expect to DO something with our lessons. Repetition is the mother of learning, and sometimes it comes down to the idea of 'monkey see, monkey do' before we can have in depth conversations about the application of your lessons in real situations. To me, music is very creative. So I'm a big believer on improvisation with both chords and scales. I believe in practical application when learning the songs you want to learn. So every student will have a unique way of learning the fundamentals only necessary to their personal goals.

*** Specialties ***I primarily use Hal Leonard method books for beginners when it comes to reading and basic technique. For those who want to learn at the intermediate/advance level, I use the book called Jazz and Pop Guitar (chords and progressions) and Scales and Modes in the Beginning which can cover all aspects of chord theory and improvisation. I model my curriculum off of my prior lesson plans from my teachers ( based off of Berklee and GIT) My genres specialize in rock, funk, jazz, indie rock, folk, country, blues, pop

...

Reviews

Hannah M. March 9, 2017·Ukulele·Online

My daughter is very shy which is why she won't try new things very often. However, after her first lesson with Allen she was excited. She said he made the lesson very fun and made her very comfortable. She learned her first two chords and is eager to practice transitioning between the chords and is looking forward to her next lesson with Allen.

Lincoln G. February 7, 2017·Ukulele·Online

Allen is terrific!!!! Patient and clear he does a great job of connecting with my 7 year old. They are making ALOT of progress.

Ryan C. April 22, 2016·Guitar·In studio

Allen's an awesome teacher. He definitely knows his stuff and he's a well-rounded guitar player. He's really easy going and doesn't ever make you feel intimidated or dumb asking questions. He's really helping in bringing my guitar playing to the next level.

View Details

Allen D.

View Profile

Allen D.

Online

(15)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

About April B.

Intro to ukulele or music in general. If you always wanted to play the ukulele specifically, or you (or a child) would like to start out on some kind of instrument, this is the way to go!Ukulele is one of the most inexpensive instrument to buy, and it can be a lot of fun to play.

And for children, it's especially good as a first instrument because of the simplicity of playing a few chords right away. (I've helped 2 year olds play their first song on the uke.)

So sign up today and get going on your musical journey!

About April

I began playing guitar when I was 12 years old and never looked back. Music has always been a part of my life and I love sharing that joy with others. I started singing at church and in school (in various choirs and ensembles). I later attended college on a Vocal Scholarship and majored in Music/Education for 2 years while playing in a 4-piece rock band as the lead singer/guitarist. While piano was my first instrument that I started lessons on when I was 8 yrs old, I moved onto guitar and then bass guitar shortly after (and I continued with mandolin, dulcimer, drums, ukulele & singing). I love all music, nearly every genre there is; old and new. So if there's a certain type of music you want to master...I'm your girl.

I hope to be able to help you through your musical journey, the way so many have helped me through mine.

...

Reviews

David August 14, 2017·Guitar·Online

I enjoyed my lesson with April. She was easy to follow and gave me some easy ideas to work with.

Kelly L. August 13, 2017·Ukulele·Online

I was shy to take up an instrument at a (not so) tender age, but April put me immediately at ease! She was funny, patient, and the time literally flew by- I can't wait for the next lesson!

Erich L. April 23, 2017·Acoustic Guitar·Online

Great teacher. Patient and fun. Amazing energy. And very good guitar player. I enjoyed my first lesson so much I am scheduling lessons going forward with her TWICE A WEEK.

View Details

April B.

View Profile

April B.

Online

(14)

starting at

$18
/ 30-min

About Benjamin K.

strumming, picking and playing more than just songs written for ukulele

About Benjamin

I grew up in Glenside moved to Pittsburgh for school and came back because I love it here...I've been playing for 17 years and have a smorgasbord of influences from Zeppelin to the Beatles to Phish to Radiohead to the dirty projectors to Jay Z to Kurt Rosenwinkel & John Scofield. I have been composing and working with original bands for some 11 years and play regularly in the city and up and down the east coast. I have also been teaching for the past 11 years all over the Philadelphia area. i teach from a method I derived myself from years of learning both in and out of school. I think teaching music is both aural as well as visual and encourage students to listen to music a lot. most of all i feel that music is fun and the students should enjoy learning so i incorporate their favorite artists and favorite songs into our studies. for seri

ous students I love theory and love sharing what I've discovered over the years.

*** Lesson Details ***I'm a very laid back guy but I take my playing seriously. music is my life and there's nothing I enjoy sharing and expressing more. I learned to love playing guitar when I was 12 from the coolest guitar teacher ever. he had a vibe that i gravitated toward and encouraged me in just the right ways to get me believing in myself. I try to encourage my students the same way. music should be fun above all and sculpt my lessons to each students individual needs so that they are better equipped to succeed.

*** Travel Equipment ***I expect them to provide guitar/bass/piano

*** Specialties ***Jazz, Rock, Blues, Classic, Pop

...

Reviews

Ilya S. March 3, 2017·Guitar·In studio

This is my second review. As you can tell my the date of my first review, I've taken lessons with Benjamin for about three and a half years. I can honestly say he is the best guitar teacher I've had. He will help you understand the music and you will think like a musician!

Frederick September 21, 2016·Bass Guitar·In studio

Benjamin was very perfessional, and patient. I would recommend him as a great teacher for anyone wanting to learn to play the bass.

Marguerite H. September 9, 2015·Piano·In studio

He is a great teacher! Very patient and friendly. I look forward to taking more lessons!

View Details

Benjamin K.

View Profile

Benjamin K.

Online

(8)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About Christopher M.

Have you always wanted to learn how to play the Ukulele? Let me help you learn how to play your favorite songs! During our lessons not only will be learn how to play the Ukulele we will also go over: Chords, music theory, strumming patterns, ear training and more!

About Christopher

My name is Chris and I am a professional guitar player. I have been teaching sense 2008 now and sharing the joy of music with others has become a passion of mine. I started playing the piano at the age of five, the trumpet at nine and the guitar at thirteen. Over the years I have also learned to play the drums, bass, harmonica as well as how to sing. I studied at L.A. Music Academy as well as Musicians Institute. I am currently in two bands and putting together a third. I do session work for other artists and have played the National Anthem for a profession football team.

*** Lesson Details ***When taking lessons from me there are many things my students can expect. First and most importantly it will be fun! Music is supposed to be fun and expressive so why make it boring and repetitive? For each student that I have I make a custom

curriculum just for them based on their musical desires, strengths and weaknesses so I can help them become the best player that they can be. Each lessons will be a balance of learning new technique and theory and applying them in songs that excite and inspire. Things such as: music theory, ear and harmony training, single string technique, sight and cord chart reading, cord structure, song writing, tone shaping, guitar maintenance and playing live will be covered with students as they advance. Feed back is always welcome and appreciated. This is your lesson, let's make sure you get the most out of it.

Christopher M.

Christopher M.

About Jared J.

I have had the opportunity to really stretch the limits of the ukulele because of the classes I teach with the instrument. In addition to the typical strum-along style of Uke playing, I can teach the Ukulele in a great deal of styles and using a great number of techniques.

About Jared

I am overjoyed and grateful to say I have been playing music for more than half of my life. It has never stopped being the light in my day and now it is my hope to shed some of that light onto you or your child. I am a very friendly and fun teacher with a great deal of professionalism and patience, even more importantly I love teaching and music with a passion.

I have been playing an instrument since the 4th grade (cello) and, as I learned more about how music works, was slowly able to pick-up a greater variety instruments with an increasing degree of ease. In high school, I decided to pick-up the guitar just to "have fun and rock out". I joined a band, played in the high school orchestra, joined the high school jazz band and began to practice songwriting and cover songs. Still, it was not until after I took my first class on music the

ory that I knew how much I not only loved the thrill of playing music but the discovery of how it worked. With this experience I can show you or your child why learning an instrument can be not only an exciting experience but an interesting and enthralling one as well.

I have been teaching music for over 7 years and have had the privilege of teaching children as young as 4 to adults in their late 80's. I am a very attentive teacher who can not only help get you moving in the right direction but keep you on that path until your are a self-sufficient musician. A level of musicianship that simply means you can learn whatever you want on your instrument on your own, whether it be for business, pleasure or for mere self-improvement.

Through my own student career in private lessons I had the chance to study with graduates of the Musician's Institute (MI), the California Institute of the Arts (CAL Arts) and Berklee College of Music. This has provided me with an inside look into how and what each institute teaches, as well as a first hand look at the techniques and ideas that the great players from these remarkable schools have come to produce.

My formal music education consists of 2 years at Pasadena City College where I obtained my general Associates Degree (much of the studies included music) and a semester at California State University Long Beach as a Jazz Guitar Performance Major. Additionally, I completed a great deal of California State University Long Beach's teaching credential program (focusing on the teaching of history/social studies), where I learned strategies and theories of how and what to teach my students - making me that much more knowledgable of my craft. At Pasadena City College I studied with jazz/classical guitarist, Ron Berman, who has played with such jazz greats as Herb Ellis and Jimmy Wyble. At Cal State Long Beach I studied with jazz guitarist Ron Eschete, a former teacher at MI who has toured with the likes of Ray Brown, John Dizzy Gillespie and Jim Hall.

Most importantly I hope to show you or your child a new way to love and appreciate music. And to provide you with the ability and know-how to have the most fun on your instrument as possible.

*** Lesson Details ***Throughout my lessons, I always encourage basic skills including scales, sight-reading and technical exercises. But what I hope to give all my students is a basic understanding of music and their instrument, providing them with a practical ability to navigate the vast world of music for a lifetime.

Beyond these skills, I always have songs, styles and theory for you to work on but I am often more interested in what you as an individual want to learn on your instrument. Getting to learn concepts that you have chosen yourself will help encourage practice and will make the finished product all the more the rewarding.

I can custom tailor a teaching curriculum and/or style for any of my students: we can focus on learning songs, learning to read, how to write music, how music works, and even how to play specific styles of music (including funk, rock, jazz, Latin, flamenco, classical, country and blues). I also self tailor my own worksheets and set weekly goals with my students to help encourage practice, understanding and progress. For students interested in more advanced concepts, I can also teach ear training, music theory, advanced jazz improvisation as well as advanced playing techniques.

I also teach the beginning and advanced concepts of: Music Theory, Ear Training, Sight Reading, and Song Writing.

...

Reviews

Hilda U. July 13, 2017·Piano·Online

My son and I started this lessons and it has being a wonderful experience and we both are able to read and play the music notes. He is a very patient teacher and I highly recommend him for all ages.

Deborah C. April 3, 2017·Cello·Online

My son has been taking cello lessons with Jared for almost two years and my son very much enjoys his lessons and he is learning so much. Jared keeps me informed about my son's progress and he is always encouraging my son with regard to his music. As a mom paying for lessons I can not ask for more.

Amelia B. October 29, 2016·Guitar·Online

Jared is awesome. Very knowledgeable, fun and relaxed. Highly recommend:)

View Details

Jared J.

View Profile

Jared J.

Online

(61)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

View More

View Previous

About Sam K.

About Sam

I play and teach Guitar (Electric/Acoustic), Bass (Electric/Upright), 5-String Banjo (Bluegrass and Old-timey), Violin/Fiddle, Mandolin, Dobro, Pedal Steel Guitar and Lap Steel Guitar, Ukulele, Piano and Piano Accordion. I have been teaching in the Pittsburgh area for over 20 years and owned my music studio/store for over 10 years. I have instructional book/cd(s) and instruments for purchase or rentals usually available on-site. I am experienced and friendly. Parking lot is free and off-street.

...

Reviews

Marc S. October 8, 2016·Fiddle·In studio

Great first lesson with Sam. Learned a lot the entire way through

Karen May 27, 2016·Banjo·In studio

I went into banjo lessons not knowing if I could master the instrument or not, being nearly 70 years old. While by no means a master (and never going to be), I have learned so much from Sam and he has shown such patience with me. I often leave my lessons wondering how he ever puts up with me - but he does. His encourgement, laid-back style, expertise and knowledge of music (plus theory) and the banjo is impressive. His good nature makes my lessons so much more pleasant. I would say Sam is a a great teacher for both a beginner or an accomplished musician or in between. He likes to talk and demonstrate (nice and slowly if requested) so I would recommend hour-long lessons at first.

D. B. February 4, 2016·Banjo·In studio

Four lessons with Sam have been amazing. I had previous banjo lessons and plodded from one song to the next. Sam has expanded the entire scope of music for me. I continue with the lesions and enjoy music much more

Jessica H.

Jessica H.

About Melissa M.

Beginning ukulele students will be taught the basics in a fun but productive way. I will teach a strong foundation so a student can move forward with confidence. Lessons would be individualized to focus on areas that need the most guidance.

You will learn the basics about rhythm, harmony, and melody and how they apply to ukulele. You will become fluent in the 12 basic keys to a degree where you can play simple songs in any of them.

About Melissa

I have been teaching since 2006 on a variety of topics. I graduated with an BA from the University of Wisconsin. My degree is in History with and emphasis on East Asian history.

I've taught all age groups from age 2 up to retirees. My teaching experience includes one-on-one and group classes in a variety of settings. I've taught corporate classes, private lessons, small groups, and traditional classroom lessons.

We have a student-centric philosophy of learning. Lessons are generally relaxed and designed to work towards accomplishing student determined goals. While all students will study similar fundamentals regarding technique, theory, and performance, every lesson is as different as every person. Special focus on topics like music theory, self-accompaniment, composition, song writing, and home recording are available as well.

What are your personal goals? We'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations.

Lessons with small children are more focused on just having fun while developing a good musical foundation, but we prefer for them to have as much personal ownership of their lesson as possible.

...

Reviews

gary July 1, 2017·Chess·In studio

thanks

Judith F. November 11, 2016·Vocal Training·In studio

Melissa is a knowledgeable, direct and friendly instructor. I appreciated her foundational growth method. Teaching from the basics and building from there. I am looking forward to future lessons. Thank you Melissa!

Diana August 27, 2016·Watercolor Painting·In home

Melissa was a great teacher. She was clear, patient, and provided the right amount of instruction. She provided very interesting information about the subject. I really enjoyed the lesson and will continue.

View Details

Melissa M.

View Profile

Melissa M.

Online

(21)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Allison T.

What's not to love about the ukulele? Sweet and portable, the uke has made a huge comeback. I'd love to get you started. We'll learn chords and strumming techniques and apply those to the songs you're keen to play. We will also learn to read music and music theory.

About Allison

Learn piano from a nationally touring recording artist, songwriter and composer with eleven years teaching experience. My approach to teaching piano is holistic, incorporating music theory, ear training, healthy physical technique, improvisation and sight reading. I have over eleven years experience teaching students of all ages, and I enjoy working with each student individually to build on their strengths and help them develop in the areas they find more challenging.

An EMMY-nominated film composer, I also teach songwriting for students interested in composition. Lessons are tailored to each student, incorporating a diverse mix of classical and contemporary repertoire and a practice plan that addresses each student's needs and musical goals.

Drawing upon my extensive background as a performer in music and theater, I encourage stu

dents to take creative risks, to be expressive, and above all, to play with joy! All students have the opportunity to share their progress with family and friends during fun, low-stress, semi-annual recitals. (Participation is optional but highly encouraged!)

Teaching Materials:I use the Faber and Faber Piano Adventures books as a foundation, but also incorporate other music, including classical, pop and theatre music, depending upon student interest and what I feel will best help my students to stretch and grow! Students are also welcome to request pieces they would like to learn; I will do my best to find or create an arrangement that's appropriate to your current skill level.

Bio: Allison has had considerable success as both a touring singer songwriter and composer for film, TV, and theater. She has shared the stage with Petra Haden, Rachael Sage, Fred Armisen, Lelia Broussard and many others. Songs from her most recent record, Sweet and Vicious, have been heard on Lifetime's Dance Moms, NBC's Late Night with Carson Daly, as well as shows on PBS, Bravo, Oxygen and TLC. As a composer, she was nominated for an EMMY and received a Telly Award for the music she composed for the documentary 5000 Miles from Home. Most recently, she composed music for the indie romantic comedy Get Happy, which premiered at the 2015 Manhattan FilmFestival. After many years in New York City, she now resides in Collingswood, New Jersey with her family.

...

Reviews

Mike May 24, 2017·Ukulele·In studio

Allison took time outside of our lesson to learn the song I wanted to work on.

Briana February 22, 2017·Ukulele·In studio

Allison was fantastic. Kind, knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Amalia May 11, 2016·Piano·In home

Allison taught my daughter for 4 years. We found her to be patient and nurturing, and she was able to keep my daughter motivated, which is not always easy, since my daughter quickly becomes frustrated when things don't come to her right away. Allison is great with kids and has a knack for keeping lessons fun, even while she's challenging students to be their best. The recitals were a real highlight for us. They gave our daughter a real goal to work for, and as we got to know the other families over the years, it was fun to watch their kids improving too.

View Details

Allison T.

View Profile

Allison T.

Online

(6)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Brian W.

About Brian

Hello,

My name's Brian. I'm an independent musician who offers Guitar, Mandolin, and Ukulele Lessons to students of all ages and experience. As an Instructor, my goals are typically to work on rhythm, notes, chords, scales, reading notation and tablature, strumming and fingerpicking patterns, and learning songs that the Student is interested in playing. I've found this to be an effective approach in learning how to play an instrument. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Thank you for your time and consideration.

Recent Ukulele Articlesfrom the Blog

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro,
check out the Ukulele articles on our blog.

How long it takes you to learn ukulele depends on your goals as a musician. Ukulele teacher Willy M. shares his advice for beginners getting started...
Many people want to know how long it takes to learn to play the ukulele. The answer for that is simple:
Two minutes!
That grabbed your attention didnt it! Well, it takes more than a couple minutes to learn to play, but it doesnt take very long to learn the basics about how to get started playing the ukulele.
When its boiled dow …
Read More

How Long Does it Take to Learn to Play Ukulele?

How long it takes you to learn ukulele depends on your goals as a musician. Ukulele teacher Willy M. shares his advice for beginners getting started...
Many people want to know how long it takes to learn to play the ukulele. The answer for that is simple:
Two minutes!
That grabbed your attention didnt it! Well, it takes more than a couple minutes to learn to play, but it doesnt take very long to learn the basics about how to get started playing the ukulele.
When its boiled dow

Ahoy Matey! 5 Easy Pirate Songs to Play on the Ukulele

Whether you're celebrating National Talk Like a Pirate Day or sailing the high seas, playing a pirate tune on the ukulele is a fantastic way to pass the time. Try one of these tunes from ukulele teacher Willy M.; they're rated arrrr for pirates!
Who doesnt want to play the ukulele? Its the perfect instrument for sitting on the beach in summer. But while youre sitting on the beach, relaxing, watching the boats sail by, seeing the crabs scuttling along the sand, what naturally comes to mind?

Master Ukulele Chords: Your Guide to D, Dm, and D7

For many beginners, the D chord will be one of the first ukulele chords you learn how to play. However, you may not learn at first that the D chord can be played in several different positions, and in variations such as D minor (notated as Dm) and D seventh (notated as D7).
Choosing the best position to play a particular chord during a song depends on its proximity to other chords in the song and the sound you want to achieve. When you are making chord changes, it always helps to choose the f

7 Cool Ways to Make Your Own Amazingly Creative Ukulele

So you want to know how to make a ukulele? Whether you're feeling crafty on a rainy day, or you're ready to set aside some serious build time, you can find a DIY ukulele project that's right for you!
1. Cigar Box Ukulele
This tutorial shows how to make an electric tenor ukulele using a cigar box and a few ukulele parts purchased online. Even with these simple components, you can fashion an instrument with a unique look and a great sound. Some of music's greats, including legends like B.B.

Here's What to Know Before Buying an Instrument

Thinking about buying a new instrument? It's a big decision, as an instrument is truly an investment -- especially if you're spending several hundred dollars (or more, for higher-end brands and models) on it.
Before making your purchase, you'll want to do some research. But where do you start? With so many brands out there, how do you know which ones are worth the money? What do you really need to ensure years of playing and practicing?
We came across a great article over on Donna Schw